Truckers continue to support ailing Floridians who are slowly recovering from the devastation wrought by Hurricane Ian. Non-profit organizations such as the Convoy for Hope haul in goods and materials to fill shortages and keep the supply chains open.
Convoy for Hope rolled upwards of 50 big rigs into Fort Myers to distribute critical supplies. The faith-based organization has reportedly set up distribution centers at churches in the area and plans to continue doing good works.
“We expect a total of 75 to 100 (loads) before this disaster response is completed,” spokesman Ethan Forhetz reportedly said. “Our volunteers are incredible at giving their time to deliver hope to people who need it. We couldn’t do what we do without our amazing volunteer truck drivers.”
Operation BBQ Relief
With hazardous conditions and dangerous roadways across the Gulf Coast, trucker Joe Myerly negotiated his way to Port Charlotte Town Center in Charlotte County. His flatbed load included five huge meat smokers and kitchen supplies.
“It was an obstacle course getting around for the first four or five days. Right now, (things) are improving, but there’s still a lot to clear up,” the 55-year-old trucker reportedly said. “Power poles are laying down. Trees are in the roads.”
The non-profit Operation BBQ Relief organization establishes hot meal resources, which are among the more challenging basic needs to fulfill. With the electrical grid offline and reduced availability of fuel sources such as propane, the trucker spearheaded an effort expected to produce 1 million hot meals for struggling Floridians.
“It takes a lot of food,” Myerly reportedly said.
CSX Gives $200,000 for Hurricane Ian Relief
The Red Cross and Florida’s Disaster Fund received a $200,000 donation from CSX, an intermodal transportation operation based in Jacksonville, FL.
“CSX cares deeply about the communities where we operate, and our thoughts are with all those in Florida and South Carolina that have been impacted by Hurricane Ian,” CSX president and CEO Joe Hinrichs reportedly said. “We are pleased to make this contribution towards recovery efforts and to ensure the delivery of critical resources to our neighbors in these communities where so many of our CSX employees, customers, and partners call home.”
The lion’s share ($150,000) goes to the Red Cross with $50,000 supporting the state’s disaster relief fund. Adding an incentive to support victims of Hurricane Ian, company officials announced the organization would match every dollar its employees donated to the CSX Employees Disaster Relief Fund. The money would go to support people who suffered damage to their homes.
Trucker Rescues Four From Burning Vehicle
The Truckload Carriers Association honored Mississippi truck driver William Hancock for pulling four people from a car wreck as the vehicle began to catch fire. Hancock shouldered his 18-wheeler over after spotting the smoking, overturned passenger vehicle while traveling I-22 near Fulton.
“I jumped out of my truck. It looked like the inside of the car was on fire. The biggest concern was getting them out of the car,” Hancock reportedly said. “If it was my family in that car, I’d hope somebody would stop to help them.”
A trucker for 24 years, Hancock successfully got the injured people out of the vehicle. He has been named a Highway Angel for his selfless act and courage.
Sources: transportdive.com, freightwaves.com, fleetowner.com
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